Global fastener firm TR Fastenings is upgrading its online product catalogue with the introduction of exclusive new 3D models and animations to its website.

The models and animations, which allow users to move the product images around and see how they are installed and used with other materials or components, are hosted on Sketchfab.com, a VC-backed platform which acts as an online library for 3D models and virtual reality (VR) content.

TR embarked on the project in 2016, and so far there are 126 interactive animations and 592 interactive product models online. TR will be adding new models to the site over the coming months and aims to have a 3D interactive model for each one of its 800 product categories uploaded by the end of 2017.

TR Fastenings 3D models

The videos not only show the products in a new and innovative light, but are also extremely useful for sales and customer service teams needing to demonstrate how the fasteners work to existing and prospective customers when they are not in the same location. The interactive models are more effective than static images, as customers can move around the model and see the product in detail from any angle. With regards to the animations, the files are much smaller than traditional videos and work on any device. No plug-ins are required and the animations have been designed with all browsers in mind.

Keith Gibb, Head of Web Development at TR, comments “3D models are becoming more and more popular and we are very excited about offering this feature to our customers, partners and visitors to our website. The interactive element is invaluable when demonstrating products remotely, and the hosting technology provided by Sketchfab is a real find. This is a huge step for us and we are thrilled to be leading the charge in terms of engineering companies using this technology to showcase our products.”

TR Fastenings contacts

You can see an example model here and an example animation here, or visit the TR website for more.